Aviator training or amusement device



- May 2, 1933. A. BISCH AVIATOR TRAINING OR AMUSEMENT DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 1952 May 2, 1933. s

- AVIATOR TRAINING ORAMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed May 7, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented May 2, 1933 UNITED STATES A LVIN BISCH, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AVIATOR TRAINING R AMUSEMENT DEVICE Application filed May 7, 1932. Serial No. 609,835.

aeroplane controls are provided and can be manipulated to maneuver the aeroplane into different positions by a person or operator who is not familiar with the controls. He may have all the thrills and sensation of flying without the dangers incident thereto.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved pilot training device in which the conventional form of aeroplane is suspended from an overhead structure by a cable, in which the free end of the cable is connected to the aeroplane at its center of gravity.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved construction of a pilot training device in which all the essential features of a conventional aeroplane are made use of and in which the aeroplane is suspended from an overhead structure by a cable which has its free end attached to the aeroplane at its center of gravity or balance, and in which the pivotal connection between the cable and aeroplane may be adjusted longitudinally and vertically with respect to the aerop ane so as to compensate or balance the aeroplane for the different weights of operators.

These and other objects are accomplished by providing a construct-ion and arrangement of the various parts in the manner hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. l is a side elevational view showing a rotary tower or structure to which my improved ty e of pilot training device may be connected t ereto for operation.

Fig. 2 is aside elevational view of an aeroplane showing the position in which the cable is connected to substantially the cen ter of gravity or balance of the aeroplane. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross sectional view of the fuselage of the aeroplane shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged horizontal cross sectional view showing the mechanism for longitudinally adjusting a pivotal connection of the cable with the aeroplane.

Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view taken on the lines 5-5 of Fig. 4, and

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail view partly in cross section showing the manner in which the swivel member is connected to the aero plane.

The invention in the present instance is directed to a novel aviator or pilot train ing device in which the rudimentary principles of flying may be quickly grasped by any novice by manipulating the controls of the aeroplane without the dangers incident to regular flying. The aeroplane in this instance is connected or suspended from an overhead stationary or rotary structure by a cable, the free or lower end of which is connected to the aeroplane at the center of gravity or balance, so that the aeroplane is free to tip about a substantially universal connection to all intents and purposes, 1 and Wlll go lnto all sorts of maneuvering positions at the direction of the operators control.

For the purpose of illustration I have shown one form of my invention in connection with an aeroplane construction which is substantially of the conventional form of aeroplane with the exception that the regular wing spread is not required because the major weight of the aeroplane is supported by the cable and does not require the lifting power of the conventional aeroplane.

The aeroplane in this instance comprises a main body or fuselage 10 which is supported on the usual landing gear generally indicated by the reference character, 11, which in turn is provided with the usual pneumatic tire wheels 12. Connected to therear end of the aeroplane and extending rearwardly and angularly with respect thereto is the usual tail skid 13. Pivoted on a. vertical axis 14 at the rear end of the fuselage 10 is the usual rudder 15. Pivoted to the fuselage and adjacent the rudder on the horizontal axes or shafts 16 are the usual stabilizers 17. Pivoted on the horizontal axes or shafts.

18 to each side of the fuselage 10 are the usual wings 18. All of these movable parts including the wings, the rudder and the stabilizers are connected up in the usual manner to the vertical control stick 19, so as to be positioned forwardly of the operators seat 20 in the cockpit of .the fuselage 10. The operating parts and connections for moving these various elements are essentially like the conventional aeroplane, and it is believed that a more detailed description of the same" is not necessary. The aeroplane in this instance is provided with the usual propeller 21 which is secured to the shaft 22, which is a main shaft of a motor 23. This -mot0r may be either electric motor or an internal combustion engine for furnishing the power for operating the propeller. This motor may be mounted on a bracket 24 secured to the forward end of the fuselage in any well known manner. The aeroplane thus far described contains the essential features of a. conventional aeroplane, but as previously pointed out, the wing spread is relatively shorter than in the conventional type of aeroplane.

The essential feature of the present invention includes a novel arrangement of connecting a cable at a point substantially at the center of gravity with respect to the aeroplane, and the provision of means for adjusting this connection longitudinally as well as vertically with respect to the aeroplane. This mechanism includes a 1011- gitudinally adjustable steel plate 25, which is rectangular in form and has its outer or longitudinal outer edges mounted between two spaced apart sets of angle members 26. The forward and rearward ends of these sets of spaced apart angle members 26 are secured on the oppo- "site sides of transverse straps 27. The upper straps 27 have their opposite ends turned upwardly at right angles with respect to the main body portion, as shown at 28, and are secured by means of rivets 29 t0 the opposite sides of the fuselage, while the lower straps have their opposite ends bent downwardly at right angles, as shown at 30, and secured to the opposite sides of the fuselage by means of rivets or bolts 31. The plate 25 is guided longitudinally between the spaced apart angle members 26 by guide angle members 32 which are secured to the plate by means of rivets 33. Secured on the oneside of the longitudinal center of the plate 25 are interiorally threaded brackets 34 which are spaced apart from each other and adapted to receive in threaded engagement therewith, a threaded shaft 35. The threaded shaft 35 is journalled at its forward and rearward ends in vertically extending plates 36 secured to the forward and rearward transverse straps 27. The threaded shaft 35 is retained in its bearings on the plates 36 by front and rear collars 37, which in turn, are secured to the shaft by means of pins 38. The rearward end of the shaft 35 is provided with a crank handle 39 positioned within easy reach of the operators seat 20 for longitudinally adjusting the plate 25 with respect to the fuselage. Formed integrally with the plate 25 in the longitudinal and transverse center of the bottom thereof is a boss 40 having a vertical extending threaded aperture therein. Mounted in the threaded aperture of the boss 40 is a threaded shaft or pin 41. Mounted in threaded engagement with the. bolt r pin 41 is a lock nut 42 for locking the pin 0- curely in various positions of adjustment. Secured to the lower end of the pin 41 is a collar 43. Swivelly connected to the upper end of the pin 41 through the medium of a tapered roller bearing 44 is an eye member generally indicated by the reference character 45 which has a downwardly extending housing portion 46 for engaging and supporting the tapered bearing therein. Secured to the upper end of the pin 41 by means of a nut 47 mounted in threaded engagement to reduce the threaded portion of the pin, is a circular plate 48 which has its under side bearing against the race of the roller bearing 44' Connected to the eye 45 by means of a hook 49 is a flexible cable 50. The hook 49 is prevented from disengagement with the eye 45 by means of a locking link 51 secured on the hook by means of a nut 52 mounted in threaded engagement with the thread end of the hook. The cable 50 extends from the hook 49 through a circular opening 53 located in the forward and upper portion of the fuselage 10, as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings. The upper end of this cable may be connected to a stationary overhead structure or preferably to the outer or free end 54 of the revolving structure generally indicated by the reference character 55, which may comprise two outwardly projecting beams 56 and 57. This beam 54 may be journalled on a shaft 58 which in turn is secured to a vertically extending tapered standard 59 which may be formed by converging angle members and transverse brace members of any suitable construction.

While in the above drawings I have shown my improved pilot training device in connection with a revolving tower in which two or more aeroplanes may be attached to the outer ends, it will of course, be understood that a single plane may be suspended from an overhead structure in which two vertical standards support the outer end of the overhead beam structure. In this particular case the upper end of the cable would be fastened so as to remain substantially stationary and permit the aeroplane to travel around a path defined by the cable, With the upper end of the cable forming a stationary pivot or center of the revolving aeroplane.

The operation of my improved pilot training device is as follows: let us assume that an operator is seated in the cockpit of each of the aeroplanes shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, and that the engines or electric motors, as shown at 23 are started thereby revolving the propellers 21. The actuation of the propellers revolves the beam 55 on its axis 58 and by the manipulation of the control stick 19 the various elements, including the wings, the rudder and stabilizers may be controlled for either causing the aeroplanet of travel 'in a horizontal circular path or to bank to the right or left or to turn the nose downwardly or upwardly in accordance with the desires of the operator. It will be noted that by the single cable 50 connected approximately to a point at the center of gravity of the aeroplane that unless the controls are properly manipulated the aerolane will tip or tilt in any direction about its pivotal connection with the hook 49 of the cable. In other words, a novice in the cockpit of one of these aeroplanes will have all the thrill and sensation of manipulating and controlling an aeroplane, without the dangers incident to regular flying, and as a result of suclr will develop very quickly, the knack and experience of manipulating the controls of a conventional aeroplane, which he could not readily acquire except through long and tedious instruction with the active and actual flight .assistance of an experienced and proficient instructor. It is further pointed out that should the weight of the operator be such that it offsets the balance of the connection 50 with the aeroplane, the crank handle39 may be operated to shift the cable 50 forwardl or rearwardly to compensate or balance t e weight for any variation in the weight of the operator. This arrangement insures a connection of the cable with the center of gravity of the aeroplane regardless of the weight of the operator in the operators seat 20 in the fuselage. It will also be noted that a vertical adjustment of the threaded shaft or pin 41 may be made by turning this pin in the boss 40 of the plate 25 so as to adjust the vertical pivotal connection 49 with the swivel bracket 45.

While in the above description and drawings I ha ve disclosed an electric motor as propelling means for this aeroplane, it will of course, be understood that any other suitable means such as an internal combustion engine may be utilized and also controlled by the operator in the aeroplane, in a manmy invention to make use of the same in that connection.

-While in the above description I have described one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice, it will of course, be understood t at the same is ca 8.- ble of modification, and that modification may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1'. A pilot training device'comprising an aeroplane, and a suspended cable connected substantially'to the center of gravity of said aeroplane for supporting said aeroplane.

2. Apilot training device comprising an aeroplane, and a suspended cable having its free end connected substantially to the center of gravity of said aeroplane for suspending said aeroplane above the ground.

3. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a cable suspended from above and having its' lower free end connected substantially to the center of gravity of said aeroplane for holding the aeroplane pendent, and means for longitudinally adjusting the connection of said cable with said aeroplane.

4. A pilot training device'comprising an aeroplane, a cable suspended from above and having its lower free end connected substantially to the center of gravity of said aeroplane for holding said aeroplane pendent, and means for vertically adjusting the connection of said cable with said aeroplane.

5. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a suspended cable connected substantially to the center of gravity of said aeroplane for holding said aeroplane pendent, and means for vertically and longitudinally adjusting the connection of said cable with said aeroplane.

6. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a suspended cable having its 'lowerend connected substantially to the center of gravity of said aeroplane for holding said aeroplane pendent, a universal connection connecting said cable with said aeroplane, and means for vertically and longitudinally adjusting said universal connec.-'

tion with respect'to said aeroplane.

7. A pilot training device comprising an .aeroplane, said aeroplane including a fuselage, pivoted wings mounted on said fuselage, a rudder pivoted to the rear end of said fuselage, stabilizers pivoted to the rear end of said fuselage, a propeller mounted on the front end of said fuselage, motive power for driving said propeller, and a suspended cable having the lower end thereof connected substantially to the center of gravity of said aeroplane for holding said aeroplane in suspended position.

8. A pilot training device comprisin an aeroplane, said aeroplane including a uselage, wings pivoted to said fuselage, a rudder pivoted to the rear end of said fuselage, stabilizers pivoted to said fuselage, means for controlling all of said movable elements, a ropeller mounted on the front end of said uselage, motive power for driving said propeller, an overhanging structure, and a cable suspended from said over hanging structure having the lower end thereof connected substantially to the center of gravity of said aero lane for holding said aeroplane in suspended position.

9. A pilot training device comprisin an aeroplane, said aeroplane including a uselage, wings pivoted to said fuselage, a rudder pivoted to the rear end of said fuselage, stabilizers pivoted to said fuselage, means for controlling all of said movable elements, a propeller mounted on the front end of said fuselage, motive power for driving said propeller, and overhanging structure, there being an opening in the upper part of said fuselage, and a suspended cable connected to the overhanging structure at one end and the other end extending through the aperture in said fuselage and connected substantially to the center of gravity of said aeroplane for holding said aeroplane in suspended position.

10. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, including a fuselage, wings pivoted to the opposite sides of said fuselage, a rudder pivoted to the rear end of said, fuselage, stabilizers pivoted to the rear end of said fuselage, means for controlling all of said elements from the operators seat of said plane, a propeller mounted on the front end of said fuselage, motive power for driving said ropeller, an opening in the upper part of said fuselage, an overhanging structure, and a cable suspended from the overhanging structure and having the free end thereof extending through the opening in said fuselage, and connected substantially to the center of gravity of said aeroplane for holding said aeroplane in suspended position.

11. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, and a suspended single cable connected substantially to the center of said aeroplane for holding said aeroplane in a substantial balanced and suspended position.

12. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, and a suspendedsingle cable connected substantiall to the center of balance of said aeroplane flir holding said aeroplane in a pendent position.

13. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a suspended single flexible means connected substantially to the center of balance of said aeroplane for holding said aeroplane in suspended position above the ground, and a universal connection connecting said means with said aeroplane.

14. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a suspended single flexible means connected substantially to the center ofbalance of said aeroplane for holding said aeroplane above the ground, a universal connec tion connecting said means with said aeroplane, and means for longitudinally adjusting said first named means with respect to said aeroplane.

15. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a suspended cable connected to substantially the center of gravity of said aeroplane, and means for vertically and longitudinally adjusting the connected end of said cable with respect to said aeroplane.

16. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a suspended single cable connected substantially to the center of said aeroplane, and means for vertically and horizontally adjusting the lower connected end of said cable with respect to said aeroplane.

17.. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a suspended single flexible means connected substantially to the center of balance of said aeroplane, a universal connection connecting said flexible means with said aeroplane, and-means operable from the operators seat of said aeroplane for adjusting said universal connection longitudinally of said aeroplane.

18. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a suspended flexible single means connected substantially to the center of gravity of said aeroplane, a universal connection connecting said flexible means with said aeroplane, means for vertically adjusting said universal connection with respect to said aeroplane, and means operable from the seat of said aeroplane for longitudinally adjusting said universal connection with respect to said aeroplane.

19. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a suspended single cable con-.

nected'substantially to the center of gravity of said aeroplane, means for longitudinally adjusting the connection with said aeroplane including a horizontally and longitudinally adjustable sliding plate mounted in said aeroplane, and a hand operating screw operable from the seat of said aeroplane for longitudinally adjusting said plate with respect to said aeroplane.

20. A pilot training device comprising an aeroplane, a. suspended single cable connected substantially to the center of gravity of saidaeroplane, means for longitudinally adjusting the connection with said aeroplane including a horizontally and longitudinally adjustable sliding plate mounted in said aeroplane, a hand operating screw operable from the seat of said aeroplane for longitudinally adjusting said plate with respect to said aeroplane, and a verticall adjustable screw mounted in said late or vertically adjusting the point 0 pivot of said cable with respect to said aeroplane.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification on this 29th day of April A. D. 1932.

ALVIN BISCH. 

